Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"There have been such conversations," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Everything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big football club."
McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as while I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to complete the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful European competition performance, should they not end up Group J second place.
Considering his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on international campaign
- Each managers connected with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach not free until post tournament matches
